Minister Clement Promotes the Government's Ambitious Plan to Cut Red Tape to Vancouver Island's Business Community

CAMPBELL RIVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Nov. 13, 2012) - The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, today highlighted the Government of Canada's plan to keep taxes low, rein in spending, and cut costly red tape during a meeting with members of the Comox Valley and Campbell River business community.

"Our Government is committed to ensuring businesses are equipped to do what they do best: innovate, create jobs, and grow," said Minister Clement. "Canada already has a reputation as one of the best places in the world to start a business or invest, and we are working hard to keep it that way."

Last month, the Government unveiled its Red Tape Reduction Action Plan, one of the most far-reaching red tape-cutting exercises in the world today. These common sense reforms include introducing single windows, online services, and service standards in areas ranging from tax and payroll to labour, transport, and cross-border trade.

Minister Clement has also introduced a number of new measures in recent weeks as part of the Government's efforts to rein in spending and respect taxpayer dollars. In addition to ending parking subsidies for senior executives and taking action to ensure greater transparency in government contracts, the Government introduced historic changes to Member of Parliament and public service pensions that will save taxpayers $2.6 billion over the next five years.

"Sound public finances are a cornerstone of our Government's platform and are key to ensuring a healthy and predictable climate for businesses to thrive and compete," said Minister Clement. "These are the building blocks for strengthening Canada's long-term prosperity."